Italy holidays

Italy holidays

Italy holidays

Italy holidays

“What I love is that the cooking in Italy is regional. Everything is so fresh and healthy.”

Jennifer Richetto - Buyer

La Dolce Vita – Italy makes living the good life seem so simple

Picture yourself sipping a glass of red on a wine-tasting tour of Tuscany, catching the breeze on a sailing trip across Lake Garda, gazing at the pink-hued pinnacles of the Dolomites or marvelling at fabulous architecture in Florence.

Stand on Juliet's balcony in Verona (Romeo not included), become Rome-antic or glide the Venetian canals - and have you seen the glorious view from the top of Mount Vesuvius?

Italy just oozes style, culture and effortless beauty - you'll see it in the seductive beaches of the Amalfi Coast, the jaw-dropping detail of the Sistine Chapel and in the people themselves, who make the business of everyday living into a true art form.

Things to do

Who could resist all those world-famous Italian cities drenched in culture, the seductive language of love, or a slice of fresh mozzarella pizza? The charms of Italy are many.

Discover your own piece of paradise on a quiet beach holiday in Sicily, cruise the Mediterranean stopping off to explore Florence, the Isle of Elba and Sardinia, or head to Northern Italy to soak up the culture in fair Verona.

Travel slowly through the rolling hills of Sardinia on a walking holiday or explore ancient Italy on an archaeological tour of Pompeii.

Whichever Italian holiday you choose, take our advice and make plenty of time for eating. From the gelato to the espresso and back again, the Italian flair for food is unparalleled.

Northern Italy

Northern Italy encompasses a large and varied area bordering Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The mountains of the Dolomites offer incredible walking and gastronomy (two things that go together rather well), and are also perfect for a snowy Christmas retreat. The Italian lakes of Garda and Como are found here too, amidst an Alpine landscape dotted with medieval villages.

Walking and train tour holidays are both great ways to take in the sights. Perched on the Adriatic Coast, and with no need of an introduction, is Venice, while just down the road you'll find fair Verona.

Tuscany

Shady olive groves, sun-drenched vineyards and gently rolling hills; the bucolic charms of Tuscany are the stuff of dreams - or indeed of dream holidays. The region’s main city is Florence, a true powerhouse of art and history. It is here, amidst the churches and museums of the historic centre, that you'll find Michelangelo's David. The Leaning Tower of Pisa isn't far away and, sparkling just off of Tuscany's gorgeous coastline, is the pristine island of Elba.

Rome

Prepare to be wooed - from the moment you set foot in Rome, you can't help but be swept up in the romance of it all. She'll wow you with sight after incredible sight - the Pantheon, the Coliseum, Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps... the list goes on. But it's not just history and grandeur that entice - you'll also be seduced by the contemporary street life of this glamorous diva of a city.

Sip a glass of spumante on the terrace of some stylish restaurant, or pull up a chair at a pavement café. You'll be greeting passers by with a ‘ciao bella’ in no time.

The Amalfi Coast and around

This little corner of Italy really packs in the sights. The stunning Amalfi Coast stretches south from the Sorrento Peninsula in all its dramatic glory. Lush forested mountains plunge steeply into the ocean, fringed by pastel-hued villages and sandy coves - this truly is picture-postcard Italy.

Within easy striking distance is Pompeii with the imposing cone of Mount Vesuvius looming on the horizon. Just off of the Mediterranean coast is the fabled island of Capri, while to the north you can enjoy the faded charm and gastronomic treats of Naples.

Sicily

Sun-baked and full of character - if Sicily were a person, it would be a charming old rogue with a weather-beaten face and a heart of gold. History, archaeology and a distinct culinary tradition await you here. From the faded markets in the crumbling old town of Palermo, to the lovely coastal Cefalù and the majestic Mount Etna, this singular island at the tail end of Europe is sure to win your heart.

Flight time

It obviously depends where you fly to, but as an example flight time from London to Rome is 2 hours 15 minutes.

Currency

Euro -

Gone are the days of six million lira being worth 20p, Italy now uses the euro.

Passports and visas

By law, you’ll need to carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Timezone

Electricity

Language

Italian -

Italian is of course the main language, although almost half of the population speak different local dialects which adds colour to the regions. In most large towns and cities you will find that English, German or French are understood.

Tipping

You are not expected to tip in Italy and leaving something for hotel staff is at your own discretion. Restaurants will automatically add the service charge to your bill.

Climate

Hot and dry in the summer, cool and wet in the winter.

Health

As health information can change at any time, we’d advise you to consult your GP at least 12 weeks before departure.